Is it really a “political action comedy” if it struggles with politics, fumbles action, and forgets the comedy? That’s the question circling Heads of State, which dropped on Prime Video on July 2, 2025, starring action giants John Cena, Idris Elba, and global star Priyanka Chopra. But while it sets the stage for a wild global romp, it ends up somewhere between goofy filler and forgotten in your Watchlist.
Before the Spoiler Drop: What Did Work?
It embraces the chaos
The movie knows it’s absurd and doesn’t pretend otherwise. If you’re looking for silly fun, cartoonish villains, and improbable set pieces, you may laugh with it or at least at it.
Travel montage that actually lands
The travel sequence is a rare comedy high point. It’s self-aware, visually creative, and delivers the kind of slapstick energy the rest of the film lacks.
Action is passable, sometimes even thrilling
The stunt coordination is solid. The explosions are well-timed, and the pacing of shootouts is clean, even if the stakes aren’t.
Priyanka Chopra has presence
Even if her character is thinly written, Priyanka adds visual appeal and steals a few moments, especially during action scenes.
But Here’s Why It’s Not Worth Your Time
Dialogue so bad it’s a deal-breaker:
Jokes don’t land. Banter is stiff. It tries to emulate buddy-comedy classics but fails to bring wit, rhythm, or punch. Viewers may bail within 20 minutes and that’s not an uncommon experience.
Priyanka’s role is empty glamour:
Despite being a major star, Chopra’s character feels like a post-production add-on, an afterthought to add a female element. No depth, no arc, no real contribution. She’s there, but for what exactly?
CGI straight out of 2005:
The plane crash finale looks cheap like the effects team borrowed assets from a PS2 cutscene. In 2025, that’s embarrassing. And from a Big-budget film we don’t expect that.
Wasted potential of a powerful cast:
You’ve got John Cena, Idris Elba, and Priyanka Chopra in one film and somehow none of them are used to their full potential. No emotional arc, no character development, no memorable dynamic. It’s like hiring top chefs and asking them to microwave popcorn.
It serves nothing fresh:
Whether it’s story, tone, or comedy, Heads of State brings nothing new to the table. You’ve seen this exact formula before ~ done better, sharper, and with more heart. This is just a reheated dish with extra explosions.
It’s “Dumb fun,” but sometimes just dumb:
There’s a difference between smartly silly and lazily absurd. Is it satire? Is it slapstick? Is it trying to comment on geopolitics? Nobody knows. Not even the film.
Reddit Reacts: Highlights from the Thread
- “Truly one of the dumbest, yet still enjoyable movies I’ve seen in quite awhile.”
- “Stopped watching after 20 minutes. The dialogue was bad and not funny.”
- “My only real complaint is that Chopra’s character served no purpose. Just a token female add-on.”
- “The CGI for the plane crash is very dated. The Matrix came out two years after and looks 10x better.”
Final Take & What Does This Film Serve?
To be blunt? Heads of State exists to keep the action-comedy wheel spinning on Prime Video. It’s a content filler… meant to be consumed with half your attention, possibly while doom-scrolling.
It tries to spoof spy movies, buddy cops, and political thrillers all at once but never fully commits to one. The result? A lukewarm cocktail of satire, action, and wasted potential.
- Watch it if you’re bored, curious, or love John Cena in a suit.
- Skip it if you want a clever laugh or even mildly functional storytelling.
Must-Watch Meter: 62 %
Written By MANSI SINGH